Sanaa (South24 Center)

The Houthi-controlled Foreign Ministry in Sanaa has condemned UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg’s July 9 Security Council briefing, accusing him of lacking neutrality with regard to the latest Red Sea attacks on two commercial vessels that killed and injured some crew members.

In a Friday (July 11) statement carried by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, the ministry claimed Grundberg's Security Council briefing and subsequent remarks reflect bias by ignoring the root causes of the escalation, specifically referencing what it called “Zionist crimes in Gaza” and Israeli airstrikes on Yemen.

“The envoy's statement lacked balance and neutrality” the statement read. Adding “It should have expressed concern about the ongoing Zionist aggression against Yemen, which targets civilian infrastructure vital to our people.” The ministry warned that continued partiality may force Sanaa's government to go beyond merely suspending official communication with him and his office. The statement reiterated that attacks on Israel-linked ships are aimed at breaking the siege on Gaza.

In his July 9 Security Council address, Grundberg warned of an extremely worrying escalation in the Red Sea, including the Houthis’ attacks on two commercial vessels (Magic Seas and Eternity C) earlier in the week, which resulted in casualties and missing crew.

"We are now witnessing with grave concern an escalation in the Red Sea after two merchant ships were attacked by the Ansar Allah (Houthis)...It was the first attack on merchant ships in more than seven months,” he stated, noting that Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on Sanaa facilities, Hodeidah ports and a power plant.

The envoy stressed that freedom of navigation must be protected and civilian infrastructure shouldn't become conflict targets, urging Yemen to avoid deeper regional entanglements that threaten its fragile stability.

A July 10 follow-up statement condemned the Houthi attacks as violations of international maritime law and UNSC Resolution 2722 (2024), demanding the group cease hostilities and provide sustainable guarantees to the region and international community. It also warned of the risk of serious environmental damage due to the sinking of the two ships.

On July 11, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the resumption of Houthi attacks on civilian ships, particularly the July 6-8 incidents that sank ‘Magic Seas’ and ‘Eternity C’, killing at least four crew, and injuring others, and left 15 missing. In a statement released by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief urged the Houthis not to obstruct search and rescue efforts for the missing crew.

Terming it as an “unacceptable attack”, Guterres warned that these actions violate freedom of navigation and threaten maritime traffic, besides posing a risk of severe environmental, economic, and humanitarian damage. He called for compliance with international law and UNSC Resolution 2768 (2025) related to Houthi attacks on merchant vessels.

In his UNSC briefing, Grundberg also highlighted Yemen's fragile situation, citing concerning military movements in Marib, Taiz, and Al-Dhalea, while stressing that relying on military solutions remains a dangerous illusion.

In terms of the economic situation, Grundberg noted that the economy has become the conflict's most active frontline, marked by eroding purchasing power and worsening food insecurity, raising famine risks. He urged practical steps to improve services and salary payments, citing the Al-Dhalea road reopening as proof of possible cooperation.

During his July 2 meeting in Aden with PM Salem Bin Brik, Grundberg had discussed resuming oil/gas exports to boost economic stability. Despite the Red Sea tensions, he reaffirmed his office's commitment to advancing peace efforts with all Yemeni, regional, and international parties, emphasizing protection of the political process, realistic negotiation conditions, as well as the release of all arbitrarily detained persons including UN staff.